Cheyenne County, Sidney Approach Dispatch Agreement

The Cheyenne County Commissioners and later the Communications Board discussed entering a dispatch service agreement with Deuel County.

“Deuel County is in somewhat of a critical position,” Cheyenne County Attorney Paul Schaub said Monday morning.

Communications Director Heidi Gillespie met with the Cheyenne County commissioners Monday morning regarding the proposal to dispatch Deuel County services. She said Deuel County will provide the equipment to dispatch its sheriff’s department. Cheyenne County Commissioner Darrell Johnson said it would be more cost effective if all departments used the same equipment and frequency. Gillespie said no one is using the low band frequencies.

During the communications meeting, Johnson asked if the new agreement would include dispatching the Nebraska State Patrol. Sidney Police Chief Joe Aikens and Cheyenne County Sheriff John Jenson said dispatchers are able to communicate with the State Patrol, but they do not dispatch the State Patrol.

Commissioner Randal Miller asked if the new agreement would include dispatching for non-emergency services.

“It is my understanding we will be like with Cheyenne County with after hours services,” Gillespie said.

Miller said he feels the commissioners are putting the cart before the horse, attempting to decide on an agreement before the Communications Board. That afternoon the Communications Board approved the contract. It will be presented to the Sidney City Council before being returned to the commissioners to be signed.

The cost of services will be divided with the City of Sidney responsible for 61.75 percent of the budget, Cheyenne County 33.25 percent and Deuel County 5 percent.

In the communications meeting, the board also discussed how to respond to having two air medical response services in the area. Gillespie said she views the issue from the concern of the patient: what company is going to be available quickest.

“My only concern is patient care,” she said. “That is our obligation as I see it.”

Sidney City Manager Ed Sadler, who also serves on the Communications Board, moved to approve the SOP on medical flight calls. The motion was approved 5-0.

Gillespie also told the board they received a $12,870 grant  for an additional radio tower. She said the current tower at the courthouse is so full it is difficult to maintain. A second tower will relieve some of the load on the existing tower.